The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1887-06-02
ton Jack asked was. ..Have you ever
heard from Bill D-'s wife,?

hard time supporting herself and child
by the needle.
..Say. Jim! What did she say when
you gave her Bills Zouave jacket?''
BILLS jacket. he exclaimed. Why,
I have it yet. | remember your in
structions, but thought it would be OF
no use TO her, and as wished it as.
memento, kept it,
"Jim, you did wrong. As soon as
you get back You must give it to her.
There is letter sewed in the lining"
why did you not tell me before? l
am very sorry, and will be ashamed TO
meet her; but will send it to her =
socn as return"
Directly upon his return Jim huntsd
up Harry Jones. and told him how -
had neglected to do his brothers bid.
ding. He asked Harry to let him know
how he could repair his fault. Harry
promised, and with the Jacket on Ii
arm. set ont on his errand.
Dolly was sitting by the table, upon
which the remnants Of scanty meal
remained, with her head resting upon
one hand, the other caressing the curly
locks Of a bright little fellow seven or
eight years of age. He looked up into
her care worn face as he said: Mamma,
If you had not been so sick this week
you would have made my little jacket
for Christmas wouldn't you?''
.Yes, my dear" she replied; ..sick-
ness has set me back, but perhaps Santa
Claus will remember mamma and
Clarie."
"Do you think so? hope he will.
There is q knock on the door"
..Come in!'' said Dolly. thinking it
was the lady in the next room. who had
been very kind to her since she had occu-
pied the two little rooms adjoining.
She started with surprise as she re-
cognized one Of her husbands old COM
rades.
why, Harry, l am glad to see you!
Sit down. Why. where did you come
from, and how are you? have not
seen you for SO long, Do you know /
have been very sick, and am just re-
covering?'
Harry was surprised to hear it.
Yes! overworked myself, the
doctor said. What have you there?
as he laid the bundle on the table.
Harry eyes moistened as he said,
ats a jacket, | believe, and-and
there's letter in the pocket
..Oh, it's for me- cried Clare.
''Santa Claus sent it, didn't he. Mr..
Harry?'
''Yes, dear and the veteran choked
up as he said, Il cant stay. Dolly, but
will come in day after tomorrow
..Oh, thanks; how pleasant that will
be, and on Christmas, too! Harry.
bring your wife. also;' and added as
she looked around the poorly-furnished.
but neat apartments, ..you must tell
her. Harry, that l cannot offer her the
hospitality would like, but she is vel
come. US are all friends of my hus-
band"
Good evening" and Harry went
down the rickcty stairs with q great
lump in his throat. Dolly united the
bundle, as the jacket rolled over to her
view. her cheek blanched.
.Great Heavens! A Zouave's jacket
| Whose is it, wonder? He said there
was letter in it, She felt there; no
letter. Whose can it be! Oh, l
know. Some one of the boys has sent
it. thinking could make it over for
Clare; how thoughtful. Well, dear.
you shall have y new jacket for Christ
mas and rs she examined it she said
to herself. ut is not much worn. Here
is hole in the side of it. and the braid
is little faded. Yes. Clare, 60 to bed
and mamma will try and make you q
nice little jacket
After tucking him snugly away. she
began her loving task. She first ripped
oflthc bright-red braid; then she took the
arms out; then began ripping the lin
ing. She had not gone far when her
scissors come in contact with piece of
brown leather. She examined it and
fonnd it was sewed to the lining. To
rip it loose was the work of moment.
As she held it in her hand she ex-
claimed, why, what can it be-"
When she had opened it. what did
her eyes behold? Three $50 bills and 4
scrap Of paper.
'.What does this mean? Does Harry
know about it? Let me see what is
written
what" she exclaimed. lam
dreaming? My husbands signature!
Oh! can it be?''
She went to the next room and
called, Mrs. Jarvis, do come in;
don't know il l am in my right mind
or not. Look! am rich! And this note,
l ronL r = -, Ill - <~c.~~l1o
Mrs. Jarvis did as directed, and Bill s
letter was read. After the widow had
partly subdued her grief, Mrs. Jarvis
congratulated her ON her good fortune.
Dolly hardly closed her eyes that
night, SO anxious was she for the morn-
ing. She went over In her mind the
things which she intended to purchase.
She would roll over and kiss Clare in
her joy. exclaiming. $3.50! am rich,
and Clare shall have new jacket for
Christmas. And to think, dear Billy's
money will buy it"
The next day Dolly, Mrs. Jarvis and
Clare might have been seen in CLOTH
ing store, selecting jacket. She
bought several things that she needed,
and returned home looking very happy.
As she clasped her boy in her arms she
murmured: .Won't we have q merry
Christmas tomorrow, dear? And to
think that it all comes from your dear
papa. But while we are rejoicing over
the birth of the blessed Savior. papa is
with him. singing with innumerablo
multitudes, Glory to God in the high
est. peace on earth, good will to men. !"
| Christmas day Dolly had invited Mr..
and Mrs. Jarvis to dine with her; Harry
also came, with his wife. and was ap-
prised Of the good luck. They had
hardly finished when knock was
heard. Dolly answered il.